UConn Report Card: Defense Has Potential, Offense Still Below Average

UConn dropped a 17-14 decision to South Florida in the American Athletic Conference opener for both schools Friday night. The Huskies needed this one for more than just an even record, which is now 1-3 overall with tough games on the slate coming up.

Anyway, you know how we do it the day after. Let's get to the Report Card.

Defense

Allowed 271 total yards. They kept the points down. Big plays? They were hit for a couple that mattered, but this unit has the potential to be very good by seasons end if it keeps growing together.

Line: South Florida running back Marlon Mack rushed for 103 yards and a touchdown, but he did it on 31 carries. His touchdown came from one yard out, but he did gash the unit for 17 yards on a third-and-16 in the fourth quarter, leading to field goal. Reuben Frank had a sack. Huskies need more. C plus

They're all seniors on the UConn football and, yes, it's already time to start talking about them. Not what they've done, but what they haven't been able to do — and that's...

(DESMOND CONNER)

Linebackers: Marquise Vann had 14 tackles and Graham Stewart added nine. They also had a tackle for a loss each. The linebackers weren't really tested in the passing game. The inclement weather didn't allow much throwing. The linebackers were OK. C plus

Secondary: The 70-yard interception return for a touchdown just before the half is the kind of play Byron Jones can make all day. He hadn't done it before Friday, but the play was right on time and drew UConn to within 14-7 at the break. The Bulls hitting a 30-yard touchdown reception on 4th-and-10 was simply not a good look. Big play in the game. C

TAMPA, Fla. — Chandler Whitmer tried to throw a shovel pass with just four minutes to go in the third quarter — but not by design.

That's how bad things were for UConn's senior quarterback and the Huskies' offense. It was only Whitmer's fourth pass of the game and the others weren't too much better.

... (DESMOND CONNER)

Special Teams

Given the struggles of the offense, the Huskies need this group to be special whenever it can.

Punt / Kick: Justin Wain averaged 44.5 yards on eight punts — pretty good. Florida native Bobby Puyol had a couple of extra points. The Huskies played much of the game on their side of the field, so Puyol didn't get any field goal opportunities. B minus

The Huskies had 145 total yards, and they only had 70 before their final scoring drive, which went for 75 yards in four plays. The Huskies ran just 36 plays. By comparison, USF ran 71.

Line: Simply put, if the Huskies have any designs on winning any more games this year, this unit is going to have to play better. Much better. It was out-matched, out-muscled and out-hustled by a Bulls front that too often looked like a green avalanche smothering the UConn offense, especially against the run. This is a pride thing now. We get the youth, the inexperience, all that, but it's pride time for the O Line. The coaches can do only so much with what's available. The unit did give effort, but when you're stopped on a play before it has a chance to get started, that's a problem, as is an offensive lineman getting caught in the tackle when the running back is hit for a loss. . D minus

Running back: Max DeLorenzo got off a couple of nice runs, but it's hard with this group, given the way the offensive line is playing. C

Quarterback: Chandler Whitmer (6 of 10 for 88 yards and 1 TD) was limited by the weather, but really limited by the offensive line. He didn't have time to do anything, but when he did he lit USF up, soft coverage or not. Either way, Whitmer showed he was a gamer on that drive. C